Wise Warriors MMA Staff
RAY NORRIS – Owner & Head Trainer
Wise Warriors was started by Ray Norris who began training for his career in Martial Arts and Fitness at age 4 and now has 40 years experience. Ray started karate in 1976 at International Karate under Sensei Berto Pehar and continues learning under legendary striking coach Sid Gee. Also started wrestling through the local school district.
In 1986 he became interested in health and fitness and strength and conditioning and by 1990 became a certified personal trainer. He went on to study with Strength and Conditioning Hall of Fame coach Al Vermeil and Martin Rooney author of the book “Training For Warriors”. Also in 1990 started training with kickboxing trainer Kym Huey .
In 1995, Ray attended the Healing Arts Center and became a Licensed Massage Therapist and now has 18 years of experience in manual therapy. Specializing in correction of muscle imbalances that lead to pain and dysfunctional movement patterns.
All the years of a active lifestyle and sports like football, lead to many injuries to Rays back, knees, shoulders, and neck. These injuries lead to a real need to learn to heal the body if he wanted to continue in his passion for martial arts . He trained in healing modalities in advance forms of massage therapy and myofascial release, Yoga , Pilates, and Functional and corrective exercise.
Now learning the importance of healing from injuries and proper recovery has allowed him to continue his dream of becoming a well rounded complete mixed martial artist. In 2007 started training with UFC veteran Steve Berger in Brazlian Jiu Jitsu.
Over his martial arts career he has a record of around 150 wins and 18 losses in multiple disciplines including : Karate, Kickboxing/ Muay Thai ,Boxing , Wrestling ,Brazilian Jiu Jitsu , and undefeated in MMA
Through training in multiple disciplines , he has learned to do away with the idea that one style of martial arts has superior technique over another . The truth is that every style has its strengths and weaknesses and its best to know what they are. This is a value to clients because it will help provide the coaching, instruction and guidance necessary to reach their goals.
Pete DeLeon
Pete DeLeon is a professional Muay Thai Kickboxer and a private law-enforcement Quick Responder with over 15 years of experience in multiple martial arts striking styles. During his time in the U.S. Marine Corps, he became immersed in the world of martial arts. Starting with Jeet Kune Do and Muay Thai, he eventually found his way into an eccentric martial art style, training in a Nindo Ryu Ninjutsu dojo for five years before jumping into his competitive martial arts career. With 13 fast-paced and entertaining fights under his belt, 3 fight of the night awards, and multiple styles at his disposal, he decided to retire from competition in 2023.
His passion and focus is now on training the men and women of the next generation of martial artists, and to help them become the best versions of themselves.
Pete’s primary focuses are: training an aggressive style for dominant competition, discipline, self-control, and maximum effort at all times.
Durrell Turk
Durrell Turk, Instructor Cacula, has been training Capoeira since circa 2000. He has taught throughout the United States and in countries such as Argentina and Afghanistan. He has trained in over a dozen countries around the world, including Brazil. Since 2013, he has been studying under Mestre Chicote of Capoeira De Ouro-Paris, France and currently teaches youth and adults in the St. Louis area.
